Posted on 11/10/2006 8:34:26 PM PST by quidnunc
It’s pretty late at night and I’m not going to go into a lot of research but a rumor has been bubbling up that should be recorded … even if it’s knocked down later as more information comes due. The rumor, substantiated by a number of people I’ve talked to who know the Denny Hastert people personally is this: Denny Hastert has determined to resign before his term as Speaker expires — for one reason only. When you step down as Speaker your pension is calculated on your level of pay and Speaker’s pay is a lot more than that of an ordinary member of Congress. Somebody who’s a lot fresher than I am at this hour of the night can check Denny’s salary but I think it’s in the neighborhood of, say, $200,000 plus.
That said, the Hastert people have determined to tap a state legislator for the official nod — with the official imprimatur as the successor. He will be appointed and will actually serve as a Congressman in the interim. The rumor goes on to the effect that under state law the governor must set the date of a special election. And also that state law ordains that Republicans and Democrats all run together rather than in two separate parties, Republican and Democrat. If this is true … and I must confess I think it’s weird but, again, I haven’t the time to check the statute … but if this is true and the Democrats enforce a rigid discipline so that only one Democrat files they can probably triumph over a flurry of Republican candidates including newly-reelected State Senator Chris Lauzen. Since Republicans are notoriously undisciplined … witness the March primary where Topinka was nominated because Bill Brady wouldn’t run for something else … expect the list to be filled with GOP congressional wanna-be’s and one Democrat. The Democrat they have in mind is an Hispanic woman, I’m informed. She used to be a Republican and who was shunted aside by the party so she drifted to the Democrats.
I don’t know the time-frame or the statute but there it is. If it doesn’t prove out, it’s at least checking out. Something tells me that Denny Hastert isn’t the kind of man to take a pay cut and simply serve as a Congressman for a long time in the minority … in an attempt to prove, as one story has it … that his stepping down now would cause his career to end on a sour note. That sounds like a lot of baloney to me. Serving as a minority congressman after having been Speaker automatically means winding up on a sour notre. Why not take the full salary level when you retire?
So have at it lads and lasses.
When Congressman retire, an election must be held to replace them. There is no appointment. That is for Senators.
I would say this is false.
Isn't it still a rumor, though?
Regardless, the Congress over the years, has done a very good job of taking care of itself, both in return-on-investment and personal liability.....all at our expense of course.
I think the seventeeth amendment should be repealed and US senators should be selected by the state legislatures rather than by direct election.
I don't know, does he really Hastert do this?
Huh?
I would say you are wrong.
Perhaps he wants to retire before facing ethics charges regarding Foley in the new Congress. Hmmm...
Whether or not it's true...Hastert's time has come and gone. His positions on a number of things drove this conservative crazy.
He handled or better I should say mishandled or should I say he was absent on the job - the foibles of his members horribly...and that is one of the reasons for our losses.
Googled the data.
House Leadership
Speaker of the House - $212,100
Majority Leader - $183,500
Minority Leader - $183,500
Rank and file $165,200.
"The amount of a Congressperson's pension depends on the years of service and the average of the highest 3 years of his or her salary. By law, the starting amount of a Member's retirement annuity may not exceed 80% of his or her final salary"
So resigning doesn't make him a nickel. costs money. Person who made up this is a liar.
I wouldn't doubt it. I've heard stories of Denny riding around in a big gov't limo, waving his hands to be waited on.
But those are just rumors.
I have to admit getting back to the original Constitution would be far better than the current system.
Reminds me of Tombstone: "Why, I didn't realize you were still standin' there. You may go now." (Doc Holliday)
Very interesting info. Thank you!! 71 freaking dummycrats is a bunch. I wonder how many of them were segregationists.
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